Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to make a move for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer after recent setbacks.
Reliable Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold has been speaking about a possible swoop for the Spaniard on his YouTube channel following the huge Alessandro Bastoni blow.
The north London club were linked with a potential move for Torres last summer, but it is believed the 25-year-old rejected a move to Spurs in order to play Champions League football under Unai Emery.
However, with the Lilywhites now set to play in the Champions League next season, it is believed discussions have taken place between the two clubs over a possible deal, expected to be worth around €50m (£43m).
And Gold believes this is a deal which could be made possible this summer with the La Liga side and Spurs holding such a good relationship.
He said: “I think in order, the next one in the list is Pau Torres, who Spurs tried to sign last year but he turned them down. It’s a whole different Tottenham Hotspur this summer, so perhaps that’s what happens now – is that Spurs go back for Pau Torres.
“Obviously, this is the Antonio Conte Tottenham, a very different Tottenham Hotspur, in the Champions League, of course. And I do think it probably helps in terms of the two clubs. They’ve got a really good relationship, Villarreal and Spurs, there have [been] a quite a few players going various directions.
“There’s a good relationship there, I know there is. And obviously, Villarreal want Lo Celso; they want him again next season. So I do wonder whether in the talks about Lo Celso, [maybe] a little something you can do maybe with Torres.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
We have to agree with Gold in the sense that the two clubs have done a fair bit of business in recent years, with the likes of Juan Foyth leaving north London for the Spanish side.
Would Pau Torres now feel like an underwhelming signing?
Yes
No
And Spurs could have the upper hand over Manchester United in landing Torres, with Erik ten Hag’s side also believed to be looking at the centre-back.
Not only do Spurs have Champions League football, but they also have Giovani Lo Celso, who is believed to be wanted on a permanent deal by Emery this summer.
I wont be holding my breath!